By Nick on Wednesday, August 06, 2014

​From San Francisco to Philadelphia, summer nights present the perfect opportunity to leave the house and experience the warm outdoors. Neighborhood walks, outdoor meals and evening hikes often fill our agendas, though a new summer phenomenon has started to surface: outdoor Latin dancing. Towns and cities nationwide have caught on to the craze, encouraging dancers to “move and groove” under the stars.

At Dansko, we’re always looking for an excuse to show off our best moves. This got us thinking: which Dansko style would we choose for a night of dancing?

With a striking cross-strap design, gorgeous full-grain leather upper and on-trend wedge heel with stud detailing, our Frida sandal effortlessly fits the bill. But Frida offers more than just style: a memory foam insert and breathable leather socklining will keep you moving from the first dance, to the last dance, to dinner and dessert, all in one stylish pair of sandals. So, what are you waiting for? Strap up those sandals and hit the dance floor. We’ll see you there.

Before you embark on your night of swinging and rumbaing, we’d love to share a few tips for your next performance. Time to practice—summer won’t last forever!

​1. Pick a style—and stick to it! Whether you choose the Cha Cha, Danza or ever-popular Salsa, we recommend learning one style before attempting another. If you try too many styles at once, you may confuse your steps!

2. Focus on your feet. Before you think about your hips, or even your arms, you will want to master the most important element of Latin dance—your footwork. Develop your dance steps, incorporate your hips and arms, and dance away.

3. Learn the intricacies of leading and following. For Latin dances to work cohesively, leaders must know when to lead and followers must know when to follow. Picture yourself in a conversation with your partner; always tune into his or her moves, and anticipate when to respond.

4. Stay positive (and confident). Once you learn the ins and outs of basic Latin dance, the steps (and spins) will become second nature. Stay confident, and let your feet guide you from start to finish. As soon as you begin to second-guess yourself, the rhythm will become harder to follow!

5. Dance with people of all abilities. Virtually every Latin dance requires a partner. So why not test your skills with a pro—and perfect your moves with a beginner? By practicing with a wide range of partners, you will learn all the intricacies of rhythmic dance.

We hope you practice your skills this summer—and use our tips to become a Latin dance pro! Get outside and enjoy a free-spirited night of dancing in comfort and style.